Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to respond to the matter raised by the hon. member for Cumberland—Colchester regarding the air traffic control tower at the Kelowna airport. I speak on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, who is unavoidably absent.
I would like to emphasize that Transport Canada no longer has an operational role with respect to the provision of air traffic control services in Canada. Nav Canada is now responsible for those services, including the operation, location and construction of air traffic control towers.
I would like to assure the House that Nav Canada applies air traffic control procedures to address visibility limitations such as those at Kelowna and Transport Canada is satisfied with the corporation's action to mitigate any potential safety risk until a more permanent solution is available.
I would like to point out that the airport operator is expanding the apron parking area. Construction has begun and this will contribute to alleviating the obstruction of views caused by the parking of large aircraft.
In the longer term, Nav Canada is continuing its efforts to install an effective video system and is commencing feasibility studies for the location of a new tower.
The Minister of Transport continues to be responsible for safety oversight and the hon. member may be assured that Transport Canada will continue to monitor the Kelowna airport as part of the department's ongoing airport inspection program.